It is easy to think we are one way until something happens, and we see ourselves in a clear and new light. During a cold February, I went on a Caribbean cruise with my adult son, Andrew. He was leaving one job and had a short break before the new job began. I was on a month-long sabbatical. While he was hoping to include other family members, it was a case that those who had…
2 CommentsCategory: Communication
Back when my oldest kids were navigating the world of middle school, physical fitness was essential to our education. Soccer matches were a regular affair, and my husband, Gary, often led hikes and runs for those old enough. Meanwhile, I played a role in organizing the annual President’s Physical Fitness test. While some of my children excelled in this physically active environment, others faced challenges. Our family, like any other, showcased diverse builds. One of…
3 CommentsI am not very interruptible. I want to be, but then someone or something comes into my day, and my contradictory reaction signals that I am not as interruptible as I want to be. It seems so astonishing for a mother of nine not to have figured out how to roll with a life of interruptions. I have received a fair number of interruptions, as I am sure you have been, with diagnoses, declarations, and…
2 CommentsMy friend was nearing the end of teaching her session at one of our online events, and I followed her in the lineup. Our habit during these sessions was to provide an introduction of the follow-up speaker to connect to our audience. I felt the undertow of realizing this was one of my last events and diverted my attention to the other aspects of keeping the different parts of the event running. As is very…
Leave a CommentWhen Gary and I decided to travel to our young friend’s wedding in Northern California, I was excited to put some national parks on the must-see list. We enjoyed our time in Oregon, visiting Crater Lake. We even hiked to the base in the cold weather to view the epic blue lake from the rocky shore level. It was a breathtaking time, and I couldn’t get enough of the cerulean lake punctuated by the sole…
Leave a CommentI am trying to remember how I developed an interest in letter writing other than the halting start of the obligatory thank you note for Christmas gifts to far away relatives. Even then, I remember joyfully caring about either making the card or selecting one that fit the occasion and the recipient. I have lovely memories of receiving letters. My mom wrote me during Plebe Summer at the Naval Academy. Even though I was just…
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